41
murray river towns | themurrayriver.com.au
TAILEM BEND
98 kilometres from Adelaide
map reference E5
Located at the junction of the Dukes, Princes
and Mallee highways, Tailem Bend is a popular
stop for travellers.
In the 19th century Tailem Bend was known
as a railway town and today it is a commercial
centre for the surrounding Mallee area. It is
a great starting point for 4WD adventures
into Mount Rescue or Ngarkat Conservation
Parks and you can also visit Fred's Landing
to launch a boat and enjoy some fishing. The
history of Tailem Bend is documented at the
Railway Station and Museum. The volunteers,
or 'fettlers' as they are known, provide guided
tours upon request. The station also provides
a wealth of information about Tailem Bend and
the surrounding region and sells locally-made
arts, crafts and edible delights.
Step back in time by visiting Old Tailem Town,
Australia’s largest pioneer village with over 110
authentic historic buildings. Ghost tours are
also available (not recommended for children
under 14). The Coorong Council Civic Centre
features rotating exhibitions by local and guest
artists, while The Big Olive sells a range of
products including oils, gift baskets and soaps.
Heritage buffs can take a walking trail around
the town or on the 25 kilometre loop River
Bend Heritage Trail. Maps are available at the
Visitor Information Outlet.
TRURO
80 kilometres from Adelaide
map reference F3
Truro was founded in the mid-1800s by John
Howard Angas, son of George Fife Angas.
Copper was mined here from 1842 to the
1970s. To discover more about the history,
follow one of the many walks and drives
developed by the local residents. The long-
distance Lavender Federation Walking Trail
passes through Truro, and Pioneer Park in the
main street, and celebrates the work of the
region’s first European settlers. Highlights
include Craneford Wines’ cellar door, Truro
Hotel, established in 1863, and the ever-
popular Truro Bakery.
PO Box 34, 22 Nildottie Road, Swan Reach
Ph: (08) 8570 2019 or (08) 8570 2326 (Lyn)
Mob: 0427 702 223 (Popsy)
COME AND SEE OUR NEW DISPLAYS
IN THE OLD SCHOOL BUILDING
The museum stores some of the most fascinating
collections of memorabilia reflecting European history.
Showcasing documents, photographs and many historical
items relating to the history of education and social history
of the area.
OPEN: Wednesday 10am–1pm, Saturday 10am–12pm or
by appointment.
SWAN REACH MUSEUM
TUNGKILLO
64 kilometres from Adelaide
map reference F4
On the border of the Murray River, Lakes &
Coorong and Adelaide Hills regions, Tungkillo is
surrounded by sweeping gum tree-lined plains,
granite rock formations and small creeks and
is located on the Lavender Federation Walking
Trail, a 212 kilometre walking trail from Murray
Bridge to the Barossa.
WALKER FLAT
107 kilometres from Adelaide
map reference E4
With its tall, ochre-coloured cliffs Walker Flat
is one of the most spectacular spots on the
river and a popular mooring for houseboats.
There are two lookouts, one above the ferry
and one between Walker Flat and Aruma River
Resort. Facilities include a boat ramp, ferry, a
general store and holiday accommodation.
WELLINGTON
108 kilometres from Adelaide
map reference E5
Wellington was settled in 1838 and is located at
the junction of the Murray River and Lake
Alexandrina. The first South Australian ferry on
the Murray River was established here in 1846
and still operates. It is home to one of the oldest
continually operating hotels in the state and the
original courthouse and police station is now
a museum, B&B and tea rooms. See a range
of Australia’s threatened flora at the nearby
Pangarinda Arboretum, covering 12 hectares.
YOUNGHUSBAND
128 kilometres from Adelaide
map reference E4
Younghusband is a short drive from Mannum
with a picturesque river reser ve, a variety of
riverside shacks and some great spots for
waterskiing. Don’t miss the panoramic views of
Lake Carlet from the top of the cliffs behind the
caravan park or the Aboriginal canoe tree four
kilometres out of town.
PURNONG
150 kilometres from Adelaide
map reference D4
One of the Murray River’s major irrigation
areas, Purnong’s onions are exported all over
the world. There is a 24 hour ferry crossing.
SEDAN
99 kilometres from Adelaide
map reference E3
Follow the Sedan Heritage Trail and see the
towns many 19th century buildings and dry
stone walls.
SWAN REACH
167 kilometres from Adelaide
map reference E3
The Aboriginal name for this area is
‘Kongorong’, which refers to the large number
of Black swans here. Settled in 1899, Swan
Reach battled floods in 1956; you can see
photographs in the museum. Today, Swan
Reach offers an excellent hotel, caravan park,
nine-hole golf course, free 24 hour ferry,
general store and boat ramp. The surrounding
area is renowned for its towering cliffs and
archaeological sites and is rich in fossils, flora
and fauna. A highlight is the Big Bend by Night
nocturnal tour which includes a visit to the
Punyelroo Caves.